In a congratulatory message cabled to Manuel Valls on his appointment as the new French prime minister, Jahangiri underlined that continuation of cooperation and exchange of views on bilateral and international issues with European countries, including France, is among the priorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy.
The first vice-president also hoped that during Valls’ term in office and in light of the political resolve (of the two countries), relations between Iran and France would further expand based on common interests and mutual respect.
Ties between the two countries have improved following an interim accord between world powers and Iran that allows sanctions relief in some sectors in return for curbs on Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, the US, Britain, China, France and Germany) on November 24, 2013, clinched an interim six-month deal in the Swiss city of Geneva.
The breakthrough deal (the Joint Plan of Action), which has come into effect since January 20, stipulates that over the course of six months, Iran and the six countries will draw up a comprehensive nuclear deal which will lead to a lifting of the whole sanctions on Iran.
The French have been in the vanguard of efforts to move back into the Iranian market and a delegation of French auto and aviation companies visited Iran in February.